Sharad Pawar supports discussion on Pahalgam attack, calls for national unity

NCP chief Sharad Pawar. File
| Photo Credit: Emmanual Yogini

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) supremo Sharad Pawar on Wednesday said he supports the Congress’ demand for a discussion in Parliament on the recent Pahalgam terror attack, emphasising the need to present a united national stance.

Speaking to reporters after attending a religious event in Osmanabad, Mr. Pawar described the terrorist strike in Kashmir as a “serious issue” and said all parties should stand together on matters of national security.

“Some colleagues have suggested a discussion in Parliament. When the country faces such challenges, it is important to show unity,” Mr. Pawar said. However, he refrained from explicitly endorsing a special session, noting that the government must assess the necessity based on procedures.

Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi had earlier written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking a special session to discuss the attack. Mr. Pawar, while expressing solidarity with the victims, said, “The government must take appropriate steps, and we will support constructive measures.”

On April 22, terrorists attacked a tourist group in Pahalgam, Anantnag, killing 26 people and injuring several others.  

When asked about possible reconciliation between Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena UBT) and Raj Thackeray (MNS), Mr. Pawar said, “If such efforts are being made, it is a positive development.”

Reacting to remarks about his selective participation in religious events, he dismissed them as “misleading”. “As Chief Minister, I visited Pandharpur and Tulja Bhavani temples regularly,” he clarified.

Mr. Pawar’s statements come amid ongoing debates on security and political unity following the Kashmir attack. Further clarity on the proposed parliamentary discussion is awaited as official consultations continue.